Complete Guide to Essential Oils/A to Z of essential oils/Lavender

Lavender is a very useful and popular essential oil. It comes from the flower tops of Lavandula angustifolia (Lavandula officinalis) plants and is extracted by steam distillation. It has a flowery scent and a balancing effect on the body and mind.

Lavandula angustifolia flowers

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)

Properties

Bottle of lavender oil

Circulatory

May lower blood pressure and reduce fluid retention.

Digestive

Relieves indigestion, nausea, vomiting and flatulence. Soothes colic.

Emotional

Soothes stress, anxiety and depression. Helps calm panic and hysteria. Alleviates insomnia.

Gynecological

Regulates the menstrual cycle. Eases symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Immunological

Helps fight throat infections.

Pain

Alleviates arthritis, rheumatism, headaches and migraine. Soothes muscle pain. Helps fight stress for shingles

Respiratory

Relieves asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, catarrh and symptoms of a cold.

Skin

Improves acne, psoriasis, eczema, dandruff, oily skin and athlete's foot. Promotes healing of abscesses, minor wounds, sunburn and burns. It can be applied neat to the skin and is very effective on minor burns.

Other uses

Repels insects.

Caution

• Don't use lavender oil during the early stages of pregnancy.

Blending

Lavender can be combined with clary sage, frankincense, geranium, cedarwood, pine, nutmeg and citrus oils.